Are you fighting a never-ending battle with your hair? It can be hard to achieve salon-perfect results at home, but with a few hair hacks, you’re sure to be on the right path.

Today we’re sharing 19 of the best tips and tricks. They’re so easy, anyone can give them a go! From cleaning your brushes to achieving effortless waves, we’ve got something for you.

1. How to use hair pins

We’ve been doing it wrong all this time!

Think you know how to use hair grips? Think again! Most of us pop them in with the wavy side facing outward, but the wavy part should actually go next to your scalp. This helps them to stick better in your hair.

2. DIY beach wave spray

If you want beachy waves all year round, you don’t need to bring the ocean with you! You can make your own waving spray with ingredients from your kitchen cupboard. All you need is:

A plastic spray bottle

1 tbsp of salt

1 tbsp of coconut oil

1 tbsp of hair gel

1 cup of warm water

Start by mixing the warm water and salt together inside the spray bottle. Combine the coconut oil and hair gel together and then add to the solution in the bottle. Shake well and apply to damp hair.

3. Air drying hair

This one might not be groundbreaking, but we thought we’d include it just in case you hadn’t thought of it. Instead of rushing to get your hair dry after getting out of the shower, leave it to the last minute.

Go about all of your other daily tasks first and leave the hair drying to the last minute. Most of the moisture will evaporate, meaning that you’ll only need to blast it for a short amount of time with the hairdryer. This means less heat damage, and more time to get on with everything else.

4. Beautiful updos

What a great idea!

Sometimes hairgrips just aren’t enough to keep a fancy updo in place. Next time you put some in your hair, lay down a sheet of kitchen roll and place the pins on top. Give them a generous coating with hairspray and wait about 30 seconds before use. You want them to be slightly sticky but not dripping wet.

5. How to stop static hair

Does your hair sometimes stick out on end? If you ever find yourself experiencing static, take a dryer sheet and smooth it over the lengths of your hair. If you find this happens on a regular basis, you could even stretch the sheet over your hairbrush – the bristles should poke through with ease.

6. How to cut your own split ends

This is one of our favourite hair hacks! Split ends can stop our hair from growing as quickly as we’d like. For that reason, it’s important that we keep on top of them with regular trims. If you can’t afford or don’t have time to make an appointment with your hairdressers, then this easy hack will help you to get rid of your split ends at home.

Take a small section of your hair and, holding it at the end of the hair shaft, twist it tightly round. If you have layers, this might be a little tricky to achieve, so try to work in sections by the length of your hair. The split ends should poke out and then you can easily take a pair of scissors and snip them away.

7. Turn your curling iron into a curling wand

Curling wands can be so expensive!

If you want to upgrade your curling iron to a curling wand, you don’t have to buy a brand new one. They can be costly, but we know the results are much prettier and more natural looking.

To achieve the same results as a curling wand, take a screwdriver and unscrew the clip part of the curling tongs. You’ll now be able to use the tongs in the same way you would use a wand. You might want to purchase a heat-proof glove to protect your hands from burns.

8. DIY leave-in conditioner

Save a few pennies by making your own leave in conditioner. All you need to do is mix together 1 part conditioner and 3 parts water. Mix it well in a spray bottle and generously apply to your hair after washing. It’s that easy!

9. How to get rid of dandruff fast

Are you suffering from dandruff? Aspirin could be the answer! It contains salicylic acid, which will soothe your scalp. Crush two tablets and add to your favourite shampoo.

10. How to dry your hair fast – without a hair dryer

It’s much kinder to your hair!

Have you heard of plopping? That’s the technical term for this new craze! Instead of drying your hair with a towel, take a large t-shirt and wind your hair up in it. It should look very similar to a towel turban.

Not only does this technique give your hair bounce, but the t-shirt fabric will also reduce frizz and cut down on damage. You’ll be amazed by the change in hair growth.

11. Benefits of a silk pillowcase

If you’re prone to frizzy hair, you need to invest in a silk pillowcase. The fibres are much kinder to your hair than cotton, so you’ll wake up with smooth, frizz-free hair.

12. Quick wavy hair

If you want to create waves quickly, we’ve got the answer for you! Braid your hair in medium-sized sections. Take your hair straightener and carefully press along each braid to set them. Undo the braids to reveal beautiful waves.

For a damage-free alternative, braid your hair when it’s still damp. Wait until it’s completely dry and then remove the braids. Brush through to loosen up the style.

13. How to make your ponytail look longer

Does your ponytail look a little limp? Backcombing your hair can cause a lot of damage, so why not try this hairstyling technique and give it a boost? Take the top section of your hair and hold it out of place with a clip. Make a ponytail slightly above your neckline. Using the upper section of hair, tie another ponytail higher up.

If you would like, you can add a few curls to the ponytails with a curling wand to give it some added volume. These will also help to disguise the two different ponytail bases if you strategically pin some pieces of hair down.

14. How to get rid of baby hair flyaways

Have you got annoying baby hairs or flyaways? Take a spare, clean toothbrush, and spritz some hair spray onto it. Working quickly, use the toothbrush to smooth down any hairs that are out of place. It’s that easy!

15. Get a thicker hairline

Thin hair can make your hairline really stand out. Give the illusion of thicker, natural hair by applying a small amount of eyeshadow to the scalp. Try to find a colour that is as close to your roots as possible.

16. Reshape an Invisibobble

They don’t leave any marks!

If you haven’t heard of invisibobbles, you need to check them out. These hair ties leave absolutely no marks in your hair and are super comfortable. The only trouble is, they can stretch out if you wear them often.

Get yours back to its original size by placing it in a mug of boiling water. You’ll notice it snap back into place in an instant.

17. Coconut oil hair treatment

Looking for a natural hair treatment? Coconut oil is a miracle worker! Apply directly to the tips of your hair and leave on for at least 30 minutes. Wash your hair as normal for beautiful, glossy lengths.

18. Dry shampoo hack

Looking for a greasy hair hack? Dry shampoo is a saviour for those in-between days, but have you ever found the white powder a little bit difficult to work into your hair? For best results, spray onto your scalp the night before.

Overnight, the powder will be absorbed by your hair and all whiteness will be gone. It’ll also save you some time in the morning so you grab those few extra minutes in bed.

19. How to clean your hairbrush

Have you ever cleaned your hairbrush? You might want to. Not only are they covered in germs, but the build-up of hair, dandruff, fluff and hair products can ruin your hair every day that you use the brush. Here’s how to clean it:

Start by removing as much hair as possible. Most of it should pull away easily, but you can use an old fork to get under and pull out any stubborn hairs. A pair of nail scissors will also come in handy for freeing hairs from round brushes.

Fill your sink with hot water and add half a cup of baking soda. Swish the water about to dissolve the powder.

Pop your brushes into the sink and leave to soak for 15 minutes.

Rinse the brush off and use an old toothbrush to scrub at the bristles.

Have you found a small sachet of silica gel in something you’ve purchased? You might be tempted to throw it in the bin, but these silica gel packs have some pretty amazing uses that most people don’t know about.

Today we’re sharing 20 silica gel uses that you can try out for yourself! We’re also covering potential silica gel dangers to give you the confidence to try out some of these wonderful ideas.

What is silica gel?

Silica gel is a desiccant – also known as a drying agent. The small beads inside each sachet are able to absorb moisture or condensation.

You might be wondering what the purpose of silica gel is for manufacturers. Silica gel sachets can be found in anything from packets of pepperoni to a shoe box. As these products can be in warehouses and stores for quite some time, moisture can easily build up and spoil the goods. Instead, the packets absorb any moisture and prevent mould growth.

Uses for silica gel

1. How to dry out a phone

Don’t let it die!

Ever dropped your phone in a pool – or worse – down the toilet? We’ve all heard about how rice can be used to dry out a wet phone, but the grains can get stuck inside the headphone jack and charging port.

To dry out your phone quickly, without risk of damaging the ports, use silica gel. Take a bowl and fill it with the packets of gel. Bury your phone inside so that it’s completely surrounded. Try to wait for at least 24 hours before turning your phone back on.

2. Camera lens condensation

The plastic housing of your waterproof camera should be completely watertight. This isn’t always the case, and condensation can start to form on the inside. This could damage your camera if left, and will almost certainly impact the quality of your photos and footage.

To keep your camera in good condition, take a silica gel sachet and carefully place it inside the plastic housing.

3. Safe loft & basement storage

Photos, VHS tapes, and other memorabilia can easily be damaged when stored in lofts or basements. This is because the air in these storage spots can be full of moisture.

To keep your belongings safe, store them in secure plastic containers with several sachets of silica gel.

4. Rusty razor

Prolong their life.

Razer blades would last for so much longer if they didn’t rust! We’ve got the answer. Take a small plastic container and put 4-5 sachets of silica gel inside. After using your razor, carefully dry off excess water with a towel and then put it inside the container.

5. Seed storage

Are you a seasonal gardener? Keep spare seeds in an airtight container with some packets of silica gel. If they are stored in moist conditions, you could see rapid mould growth.

6. Silica gel in medication

If you have a bottle of vitamins, you might find a packet of silica gel inside. This is there for a reason! It will keep your medication or vitamins free from moisture. Moisture can degrade tablets, so it wouldn’t hurt to pop one into your medication if there isn’t one already.

7. Keep them in your makeup bag

Stop any spills.

If you have liquid makeup that’s prone to leaking in your cosmetic bag, pop a couple of silica gel packets inside. They’ll keep the bag nice and dry.

8. Keep luggage dry & mould free

Luggage is another item that we tend to store in basements and lofts. If yours aren’t frequently in use, it’s worth putting some silica gel packs inside to prevent mould growth. You could seriously extend the life of your suitcases!

9. How to store important documents

Some documents are with us for life and can be a real pain to replace. You never know when disaster could strike, so it’s important to take preventative steps to keep them safe.

Protect documents like birth certificates by placing them in large plastic sandwich bags. Put a silica gel sachet in each sandwich bag and then store them inside a fireproof box.

10. How to stop jewellery from tarnishing

Stop your jewellery from tarnishing.

Have you ever opened up your jewellery box and found that your favourite bracelet has begun to tarnish? This is most likely due to excess moisture in the surrounding air.

Put a couple of silica gel packets in amongst your jewellery to protect it from damage.

11. Keep leather shoes dry

Your leather shoes probably already have a couple of packets of silica gel inside the box. If you keep them stored in their box, leave in the silica gel sachets to prolong their life.

12. How to stop condensation on car windows

Have you noticed condensation forming at the bottom of your dashboard? An easy fix is to scatter several packets of silica gel along the edge of the glass. You can also do the same on window sills in your home.

13. Preserve flowers

It’s easy!

Do you want to preserve flowers that have a special memory associated with them? You could press them, but the best way to retain their natural shape is to dry them out with silica gel beads. To do this you’ll need a lot of sachets, or you could buy a big bag.

Line a container with about 1 inch of silica gel beads. Place the flowers into the beads with the petals left uncovered on top. Seal the container and wait a week before revealing your beautiful, dried flowers.

14. Store them in your gun safe

If shooting is your thing, you’ll know all too well how easily guns and ammo can rust. Storing your equipment alongside a few packets of silica gel will stop this from happening.

15. Put them in Geocaches

If you aren’t familiar with Geocaching, you need to get clued up and join the world’s largest treasure hunt. Geocaches are hidden out in nature all over the world.

Because the caches are often exposed to the elements, it’s a good idea to do all you can to keep the inner contents as dry as possible. Next time you find or hide a cache, put a few silica gel sachets inside.

16. Dry pet food storage

Did someone say food?

Storing pet food in bulk? You should really think about removing excess moisture so that it can stay fresh for as long as possible.

Place the food into an airtight bin or container. Tape some silica gel bags to the lid. You don’t want to completely cover the sachet with tape, but you also want to make sure they stay secure and don’t end up in your pet’s dinner bowl.

18. Stop your gym bag smelling

19. Remove smells from old books

You might love the smell of musty books but, if you’d rather it went away for good, there is a solution! Place the book in a sandwich bag filled with silica gel packets to absorb the odour-causing moisture.

20. Keep your Christmas ornaments safe

Keep them sparkling year after year!

The last thing anyone wants is to rescue their beautiful ornaments from the loft and find that they’re tarnished – or even mouldy. Keep moisture out by storing them alongside silica gel packets.

Q&A

Are there any dangers with using silica gel?

Some silica gel packets contain toxic additives that are harmful if consumed.

What happens if you do eat silica gel?

The silica gel should pass through your digestive system intact. That said, it may contain toxic chemicals that are hazardous to health. It also hasn’t be regulated for consumption, so it could be contaminated.

Can silica gel only be used once?

No. You can “recharge” your silica gel sachets by putting them in the oven at about 90 degrees for an hour. Store them in an airtight container when not in use.

What is silica gel cat litter?

As it’s so great at absorbing moisture, silica gel can also be found as a type of cat litter.

What happens if you put silica gel in water?

When you empty a sachet of silica gel beads into water, they absorb so much moisture that they crack apart – a bit like when you drop ice into a glass of water.

Where can I buy silica gel?

You can buy silica gel in large quantities through online retailers like Amazon.

Can you make your own silica gel bags?

Yes! It’s actually really easy. Buy a bulk bag of silica gel beads and place them inside organza bags. Seal the bags tightly so that they don’t spill out.

Marc Jacobs has made perfumes for women since 2001. The main accords are floral. Throughout the years, Marc Jacobs has given us 83 perfumes, but our 5 favorite Marc Jacobs perfumes so far are Marc Jacobs by Marc Jacobs, Daisy, Daisy Eau So Fresh, Decadent, and Daisy Dream.

Marc Jacobs by Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs by Marc Jacobs has gardenia and bergamot as top notes. The middle notes are jasmine, tuberose, honeysuckle, and white pepper. Base notes include ginger, cedar, and musk. Fans of the fragrance describe it as a crisp and classy white floral fragrance that is perfect for summer. The gardenia top note is gorgeous and full.

Daisy

The Daisy Series launched in 2007 and had its 10th-anniversary edition in 2017. The perfume has yearly editions and formulas, but the original is still the classic. It is a sparkly floral-woody fragrance, both charming and intense. It is a fresh and feminine scent for a sophisticated woman who strives for simplicity. The lovely bottle, which is decorated with daisy flowers, is probably the most recognizable feature.

The top notes are ozonic with an intense violet leaf, and sparkly grapefruit and strawberry. The middle notes are floral, with gardenia, violet, and jasmine in a perfect harmony. The base notes appear as ginger and vanilla. Fans describe it as a light and clean scent, like a spring morning, sunshine, or a cheerful young lady.

Daisy Eau So Fresh

Daisy Eau So Fresh is a twist on the classic Daisy fragrance. Eau So Fresh could be considered a version of Daisy for the younger woman. With a fruity vibe, this fragrance is lighter with top notes of raspberry, pear and grapefruit. The heart notes include wild rose, apple blossom and violet finishing off with notes of musk, plum and cedarwood.

Released in 2011, this fragrance is meant to vitalize your senses with a burst of elegance and a dash of charm. This scent is for the sweet and unpredictable woman that has a bold and feminine side.

Decadent

A recent fan favorite of the Marc Jacobs line also includes Decadent, which is his fragrance for the mature woman. The main accords are woody and amber, sparking sex and sophistication.

The top notes are saffron, Italian plum, and iris. The middle notes keep it classic with Bulgarian rose, Sambac jasmine, and orris root. The base becomes alive with papyrus wood, amber, and vetiver.

Daisy Dream

Described as “Ethereal, free-spirited, and luminous”, Daisy Dream by Marc Jacobs is another fruity floral fragrance. Inspired by the spirit of daisies and beautiful blue skies, Daisy Dream reflects Marc Jacobs’s attention to intricate details, love of elegance and femininity for a light, airy interpretation of the iconic Daisy motif.Top notes include blackberry, pear and grapefruit, followed by heart notes of jasmine, lychee and blue wisteria. Base notes include white woods, coconut water and various musks.

Whether you are fresh as a Daisy, sexy like Decadent or classic like Marc Jacobs by Marc Jacobs, his line of fragrances has something for everyone. His perfumes also score fairly high on longevity, which means the ingredients are of good quality and worth the higher price point. What’s your favorite designer scent?

Makeup and masculinity aren’t mutually exclusive — a fact that is finally on full display, colorfully and unapologetically. No matter how you identify, you deserve to play with beauty, free of shame and secrecy. Makeup is for everyone, and through Mascara & Masculinity, we’re celebrating just that. In honor of Valentine’s Day, we asked men and masculine-identifying people to share their stories of falling in love with makeup, plus the products that shaped their relationships with beauty — and with themselves.

“I’m not a makeup guru…I love doing creative makeup because I can just do whatever I want with it,” explains 21-year-old Wen Neale at the start of his YouTube makeup tutorial called “Falling Stars Makeup Look”. “I’m a really strong supporter of doing whatever the heck I want. I’m just slappin’ things on. I’m just gonna wing it.” If I were to film a YouTube makeup tutorial, my video would 100 percent begin with the same wording.

Another thing we see eye to eye on the fact that masculinity isn’t stagnant. Its interpreation has ability to evolve — if we allow it to. “I personally believe that makeup is redefining what it means to be masculine,” Neale tells me. “Especially as we’re experiencing an ever-growing increase of men being more comfortable using makeup, even if it’s something as small as applying a little concealer over a blemish.”
WEN NEALE/INSTAGRAM AND GETTY IMAGES

Neale uses his YouTube channel, wenwen, as a platform to not only share his fun, relatable makeup tutorials but also skin-care product reviews and insight on his transition. Outside of making videos, Neale also is a freelance illustrator, clothing designer, and devoted cat dad. (You can get a peek at all these endeavors on his Instagram @sippystraw.) Neale took a break from his busy schedule to reflect on the products that helped strengthen his relationship with makeup and how he’s redefined the way he uses it.

The wenwen Starter Pack:

My Experience Then

Neale began wearing makeup when he was 12 years old, but his interest in it truly began to flourish in high school around the age of 17. “What sparked me into gaining more interest during that time was the current rise of beauty influencers and seeing the infinite possibilities of what you can do with just a palette of eye shadow,” he explains. “It helped — and still continues to [help] — give me a lot of inspiration in my current works.”

The first foundation he came across that left an impression on him was Pony Effect’s CoverStay Foundation. “Unfortunately, it comes with limited shades, but was great in combating my oily-combo skin,” he says. For his brows, he first tried the Auto Eyebrow from Korean beauty brand Lioele, and now he calls it a staple in his everyday routine. You can check out how he does his go-to look in the video below.

Neale’s aesthetic is constantly evolving and he never sticks to one style or category; he’s always adding new products to his makeup stash. For example, he got into swiping on lip tints almost two years ago, with Glossier’s Generation G formula in Crush being the first shade he ever tried. “I will always love it,” he says. He also recently started experimenting with eye shadow. His interest in it piqued when he saw the now-famous Pat McGrath Labs Mothership Palettes.

To create what he considered to be a natural look, Neale reached for these specific products. “I’d always been a huge fan of subtlety when it came to my everyday looks,” he explains. “A majority of the products I used did just that.”

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WEN NEALE/INSTAGRAM AND GETTY IMAGES

My Relationship Now

Although the Pony foundation was his first love, he often replaces his foundation pick with the Best of Beauty Award-winning Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation in 160. “I love the coverage,” he explains. “My friends can’t even tell if I’m wearing foundation when I wear it.”

The purpose makeup has in his life has also shifted. “At first, wearing makeup almost felt like a necessity in my life, as if I couldn’t step outside without having at least a layer of foundation on,” he reveals. “After a long and strenuous journey with learning to love myself and my features, I’m happy to say I was able to convert something that went from a necessity to a choice of expression regarding my creativity.”

A quick glance around during sandal season should tell you all you need to know – most of us don’t give our feet enough TLC.

Overgrown toenails and chipped polish are just the start of it. Dead skin corns and cracked heels can leave us with truly ugly looking feet – no wonder so many of us are embarrassed to get them out.

Although we often feel judged for the condition of our feet, solace can be found in the fact it has little to do with personal hygiene. If you want to know how to remove hard skin and get soft feet once and for all, you’ve come to the right place!

Editor’s Note: This post was originally posted in August 2015 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in November 2018.

What causes hard feet?

Silky soft!

We don’t expect to wear shoes every day and them show no sign of wear, so why do we expect our feet to stay in perfect condition? It’s easy to forget that we rely on our feet to do, well, pretty much everything. From walking to the sofa to running a half marathon, everywhere we go, our feet come with us.

All that movement takes its toll on our soles, and that’s without factoring in other elements.

What causes hard skin on feet?

The main cause of hard skin on feet (correctly known as a foot callus) on the soles of our feet is intermittent pressure. This means that anyone who moves is more likely than not to experience foot calluses at some point during their life.

For people that move more – such as runners, hikers and long-commuters – foot calluses become even more likely.

There are certain factors which increase the chances and severity of foot calluses, including:

Being overweight

Having naturally flat feet

Having high arches

All of these result in uneven pressure on the soles of our feet.

What causes corns?

Corns are much smaller than foot calluses. They are small lumps of hard, dead skin with a central core, and usually found on top of or between toes (particularly the 4th and 5th toes). They can be rather painful, especially if left untreated.

Corns are caused by friction, and are often a result of ill-fitting shoes that repeatedly rub against the skin.

What causes cracked heels?

Cracked heels are perhaps the most unsightly of all. They occur when heels become dry, hard and rigid. When pressure is put on the feet, the skin can’t give or expand, which causes it to crack.

Causes of dry skin, leading to cracked heels include:

Lack of moisturising

Long baths

Scrubbing feet dry

How to remove hard skin & make your feet soft

Epsom salts are a great natural remedy for many things.

Whilst the removal of corns is best left to a doctor, cracked heels and calluses can be treated at home.

Follow our foolproof method to get silky soft feet in just five steps.

1. Try a foot soak

All foot treatments should start with a foot soak. This helps to soften the skin, and make it easier to remove.

Your foot soak should be carried out in a basin or bath of warm water. Additional ingredients can be added to the water to make it even more effective at softening feet.

Why not try adding:

The juice of a lemon – citric acid aids in the removal or dead skin cells.

A cup of white vinegar – rich in acetic acid which helps with skin removal and healing cracked feet.

A generous sprinkling of Epsom salts – great skin healing properties.

A cup of honey – known for its natural moisturizing benefits.

2. Remove dead skin on feet

Time to tackle that unsightly hard skin. Post foot soak, it should be softer and much easier to remove. Grab a pumice stone, and rub it over the soles of your feet in circular motions. Be gentle on the arch of your feet, as there should be no foot calluses here, and instead, direct your attention to the soles and balls of the feet. Scrub away until the skin feels soft and smooth.

If at any time your feet become sore or sensitive, stop.

3. Treat cracked heels

If your feet are looking really worse for wear, they may need additional treatment. DIY foot ‘masks’ will be able to penetrate deep into cracks and fissures and give them the nourishment they need. There are various, natural, at home treatments you can try. Here are some of our favourites:

Vaseline – slather the substance onto feet, being sure to massage it well into cracked heels. Tie a bag around each foot and leave to soak for an hour.

Oatmeal – mix 1 tbsp of oatmeal with a few drops of jojoba oil and massage onto feet. Leave for 20 minutes before rinsing and drying with a towel.

Coconut oil – massage into feet, pop on a pair of clean, cotton socks and leave to soak overnight.

4. Renourish skin using a moisturiser

Now all that nasty dry skin has been removed and cracked heels have been treated, it’s time to apply a layer of moisture to soothe and soften the newly exposed cells.

Make sure feet are clean, then massage a thick layer of foot cream into the skin. It’s best to use a specialised cream, as these are much richer than body moisturisers and will penetrate the skin more deeply.

5. Repeat your at home pedicure regularly

Keep up your routine if you want feet to stay soft.

By now, your feet should be both feeling and looking a whole lot better. The care doesn’t end there though. Often, one treatment enough isn’t sufficient and the above steps should be repeated until your feet have completely recovered.

How to prevent dry, cracked feet

As with most things, the prevention of calluses, cracked heels and corns is much easier – and less unpleasant – than trying to treat them.

Try the following to prevent ugly feet:

1. How to correct your gait

If you’ve been unfortunate enough to have been born with flat feet, it may be worth going to see a specialist, such as a physio or a podiatrist. They will be able to provide you with insoles to put into your existing shoes which will even out the pressure put on the soles of your feet, preventing the build-up of hard skin in the future.

2. Foot moisturiser

As they’re often hidden in shoes, we tend to neglect our feet much more than other body parts. This is a big mistake, and will only encourage feet to become cracked and dry skin to develop.

Not only should feet be moisturised every day, but a specialist foot cream should be used. These are much thicker and contain ingredients that will nourish and soothe your tired feet, preventing foot calluses and cracked heels.

3. Wear shoes that fit

Invest in quality shoes that fit.

Ill-fitting shoes are one of the main causes of corns. As a general rule, if a shoe feels too snug, it’s probably a bad idea.

If you really must have that pair of red patent brogues, be sure to stretch them out sufficiently before wearing them, or visit a shoe smith who will be able to do this for you.

Comfortable feet are happy feet. Treat them well, and they’ll look and feel much better for it.

CREED perfumes and colognes come from a very long line of artists who have passed their scent artistry from father to son since the 1760s. The first generation, and founder, James Henry Creed began concocting scents from different flowers, woods, water, and other elements creating unique and distinctive fragrances that produced amazing scents. Because of his brilliant creations, Royals, politicians, and famous celebrities from different countries have acknowledged and recognized his handiworks. From the French Royal Square to the British Royal Courtyard to the American White House—the Creed name of perfumes and colognes have continuously excelled and expanded. And they’ve done so to the point that they are now popular in Hollywood, California as well.

For more than 250 years of brewing and mixing colognes, the CREED brand is the only dynastic perfume company in the entire world that boasts that their name has been passed down 7 generations. Creed is a name that speaks of history and excellence. Here are 12 of the best Creed colognes brought into the market from 1760 to present:

Creed Aventus Creed Millesime Spray for Men

The Creed Aventus is a joint creation of father and son, Olivier and Erwin Creed, and was launched in 2010. The amazing thing about Aventus is the fruity-sweet scent it gives off in the first few hours and the leathery-smoky aroma it produces as the perfume lasts in your body afterward. The nice blend of the top to base notes are wonderfully combined together making a very bold sensation to the nose. Top notes include apple, pineapple, bergamot and black currant; middle notes include rose, Moroccan Jasmine, patchouli and birch, and base notes include oakmoss, vanilla, ambergris, and musk.

If you want to display an aura of vision, vigor, and victory, the Creed Aventus is the best choice of perfume that exemplarily manifests all three qualities. Although Creed perfumes tend to be expensive, their superior quality merits the money spent on it. While this cologne’s longevity is pretty long lasting, its sillage can be moderate to heavy for some people.

Green Irish Tweed by Creed for Men Millesime Spray

The Green Irish Tweed is perhaps the signature fragrance by the sixth generation successor of the Creed brand, Olivier Creed. This was launched in 1985 and is still very hot on the market today—especially among many celebrities worldwide. This perfume by the Creed house is described to be “a walkthrough along the Irish countryside” because of its notes of lemon verbena and iris on top, violet leaves in the middle, and ambergris and sandalwood at its base. These notes are combined altogether making a fruity, fresh, and fun sensation throughout the entire Cologne.

The incorporated scents of floral and woody scents make the Green Irish Tweed perfume very unforgettable to those who experienced its aroma in the air. The moderate sillage complements the impression of a powerful but gentle masculine presence. It exudes a relaxing and romantic vibe that automatically influences the mood around you whenever your wear Green Irish Tweed by Creed.

Creed Millesime Imperial Spray

The Imperial Millesime Spray by Creed, launched in 1995, is a unisex perfume brewed with the essence of citrus groves and is a scent that was inspired by the beautiful shores of Sicily. Therefore, the notes used in this perfume include different fruity notes, with some sea salt on top; lemon, mandarin orange, bergamot and iris in the middle; and on the base, notes of musk, wood, and various marine elements. The unique combination of these creates a wonderful and refreshing aroma in a moderate manner so that it may require you to spray it on 2-3 times throughout the day, including the evening hours.

What makes the Imperial Millesime Spray Cologne wonderful to wear is the natural touch it can add to your very own scent, plus the warm and whimsical mood it can create in the air around you. Although those who love stronger fragrances may prefer another stronger creation from the Creed house.

Creed Silver Mountain Eau de Parfum Spray for Men

Released in 1995, Silver Mountain Water by Creed is an absolute refreshing sensation. To French creator Olivier Creed, it’s like an adventurous trip to the mountains of the Swiss Alps. True to its description, this fragrance is a cool and fun-filled adventure. It has notes of bergamot on top, black currant and green tea in the middle and sandalwood & musk at its base.

And because of it’s recognizable metallic notes, many find this particular fragrance cool and refreshing. Like a cold, mountain stream. However, there are also some who find this fragrance somewhat depressing. Although the idea of Silver Mountain Water Spray was for it to be sporty and playful, ironically, some find the mood it creates is more like a rainy day, drizzly and poetic. Give it a try and see what effect it has on you!

Creed Santal Eau de Parfum Spray for Unisex

With a combination of different kinds of fruity, floral, and woody notes, there is a lot going on in Creed Santal . However, the most apparent scents to recognize here are the spicy, aromatic, and woody elements that make up most of this perfume. Although most of its components are masculine in nature, when put together as a whole, Santal also does a great job in complementing a woman’s natural scent.

Creed Vetiver by Creed for Men Eau de Parfum Spray

For some who don’t know, Creed Vetiver came out in 1948. It is by far one of the carefully concocted masterpieces of the Creed house that many did not have to chance to appreciate because of the millennial fragrances (i.e. Aventus) released by the company. The best description for this perfume is that it’s refreshingly cool and clean. It’s not as powerful as other perfumes but it does project a traditional gentlemanly vibe.

Himalaya by Creed for Men Millesime Spray

A masculine fragrance Himalaya created by father and son Olivier and Erwin Creed as a remembrance of a mountain-climbing expedition. It projects the beauty and timelessness of the mountains. Although many may find its scent “weak” compared to other Creed creations, the better description to use would be sudsy but subtly refreshing to the senses. Longevity tends to be moderate so you might find yourself spraying 3 times a day according to your personal preference.

Creed Royal Water Eau de Parfum Spray for Men

A typical masculine fragrance Creed Royal Water is very invigorating, especially to men in their late 20s or early 30s. It displays a romantic atmosphere in the air and exudes an endearing personality as well. It’s best worn on romantic dates and other formal occasions because it also projects a gentlemanly aura that highlights a man’s confidence.

Creed Royal Oud Unisex Millesime Spray

The Creed Royal Oud is one of the unisex perfumes made by the Creed house. Although it’s made for both men and women, the scent it can project to each gender may differ greatly due to its masculine ingredients.Wear this perfume when you go out and receive a lot of compliments because this one has a bold and powerful aroma that is highly noticeable to anyone around you.

Creed Virgin Island Water for Men Millesime Spray

The Creed Virgin Island Water is a celebrated perfume for both men and women. What makes this perfume attractive to both sexes is the adventurous atmosphere that is reminiscent of the waters and shores of the Caribbean. It generates a nostalgic vibe that makes one feel like they are playing in the ocean. Simply vibrant and amazing!

Creed Bois du Portugal Eau de Parfum Spray for Men

One of the very long lasting perfumes brewed by the Creed house and launched in 1987. The Creed Bois du Portugal is a masterpiece and a very enchanting fragrance that has garnered a lot of attention since its release. The oriental and woody scents highlight a man’s masculinity, yet also hints at the man’s softer more romantic side.

Erolfa by Creed for Men Millesime Spray

An exciting fragrance for men Erolfa by Creed is made by the Creed house and sixth generation company owner, Olivier Creed. The perfume itself is reminiscent of the Mediterranean seas. The scent it carries projects a happy family man that displays a loving and generous character to his wife and children. It is the perfect aroma for a fun-filled adventure with your family!

The attention to detail that goes into just a single look headed down a runway is astonishing. Although it’s ultimately the designer who gets top billing for what we see on Fashion Week models, it takes a village to assemble what they’re wearing from head to toe — or rather, from head to fingers. Because even though it’s the tiniest aspect of the overall look, a lot of thought and talent is dedicated to model manicures.

Backstage at the various show locales, many of the most celebrated nail artists in the business are teamed with some of the biggest nail polish brands to create manicures that complement the makeup, hair, and, most importantly, the clothing being sent down the catwalk or displayed in live presentations to help fully realize designers’ visions. And while they make up mere centimeters of the final look, you can bet we’re zooming in on fingertips to get inspiration for our next trip to the nail salon.

Keep scrolling to see how artists like Miss Pop, Mei Kawajiri, Julie Kandelec, Jin Soon Choi, and Rita Remark worked their manicure magic backstage to add the finishing touches — from subtle to bold, classic to creative — to the fall/winter 2019 collections

COURTESY OF BRAND
1/15
Prabal Gurung
Although all the models in the Prabal Gurung show wore the Zoya nail polish shade Vanessa, Miss Pop gave some of the manicures a negative-space twist. With a fine nail brush, she created a diagonal line from the top left part of the nail to the bottom right, filling in just the top with the berry-red color.

COURTESY OF BRAND
2/15
Alice + Olivia
This especially dreamy manicure fluttered down the runway thanks to Gina Edwards, who started off by giving models an Impress press-on manicure in black, burgundy, or the sparkly white Stace Face set from the brand’s collaboration with Alice + Olivia. She then attached hand-painted acrylic butterflies to pointer-finger nails, some of which were adorned with Kiss’s Real Crystals.

TRACY LEE
3/15
Kaimin
Nail artist Tracy Lee didn’t limit her Kaimin manicures to just the models’ nails. To create a cyborg look, “Every model had a different- and extreme-shaped thumb nail painted with liquid silver and with skin partially painted in metal,” she told her Instagram followers. Practical? No. But so damn cool.

JONATHAN POZNIAK
4/15
Khaite
Inspired by the monogrammed luggage of the suffragette era, Rita Remark created simple yet lovely nail art by first painting models’ nails with Essie’s pale pink Skinny Dip polish and then, using a fine detail brush, painting a K on the index fingernail with Essie’s Licorice.

COURTESY OF BRAND
5/15
Rebecca Minkoff
Gina Edwards might have started out with blank sets of Kiss Salon Acrylic Natural Nails, but that’s definitely not what went down the runway. Using the Kiss Fan Brush, she painted a wash of color in yellow, green, silver, or pink polish, starting at the base and making it fade toward the tip. As a finishing touch, she added a silver accent line with the Kiss Nail Art Paint.

PETER UNG
6/15
Tibi
Jin Soon Choi created an unexpected combination of muted brown and sparkling silver to accompany Tibi’s collection. The bottom half of the models’ nails were painted with the nail artist’s own Glitzy, a silver glitter polish; the top was painted with the taupe-y shade Dulcet. To really enhance the contrast, Dulcet was sealed with a matte top coat.

GETTY IMAGES
7/15
Adeam
Pearls were all over the Adeam runway, from the clothing to the inner corners of the models’ eyes — and the nails were no exception. Mei Kawajiri alternated base colors between two OPI shades, a deep blue and an ethereal pink. Once the topcoat was dry, she glued one large pearl close to the cuticle and smaller sizes throughout.

JONATHAN POZNIAK
8/15
Proenza Schouler
Black was a significant color in nearly every look in Proenzer Schouler’s presentation, so it only makes sense that Rita Remark would choose Essie’s Licorice to complement the collection. The glossy, jet-black enamel was seen over and over throughout Fashion Week, proving that black nail polish is always chic.

MONICA SCHIPPER/GETTY IMAGES
9/15
Kate Spade
Julie Kandelec created this “second-skin glitter” manicure with Essie’s Summit of Style nail polish. However, to get the most minimalistic look, she first wiped the brush completely clean, dipping it back into the bottle ever so carefully to pick up just a few flecks of the bronze pieces. She then lightly dotted them across the nails.

DANIELLE ODIAMAR/ALLURE
10/15
Christian Siriano
Rita Remark used roughly 110 grams of Swarovski crystals alongside Essie’s jet-black Licorice nail polish to create what she calls an “eclipse of crystals.” She told Allure the idea was inspired by one of the shoes in Siriano’s collection: “a patent black pump with a stripe of aurora borealis crystals across the toe.”

GETTY IMAGES
11/15
Chromat
The models at Chromat all wore different nail looks, but they had one thing in common: vibrant, abstract splashes of color. Multiple shades were sponged on for an artsy but totally DIY-able effect.

PETER UNG
12/15
Tomo
Tomo’s fall 2019 collection was full of color and texture, so Jin Soon Choitook the nails in the opposite direction with a soft and subtle nude look. She used her own brand’s shades Demure, Pinky, and Sandbar for a manicure that would look lovely in any season.

The world may never really know if blondes have more fun. Regardless, both bottle blondes and those who are naturally blessed know the easiest way to keep their hue looking icy is to incorporate a purple-based shampoo into their wash-day routine. “Purple shampoo works best on silver or blonde hair as it can neutralize the brassiness and provide a brighter, clean tone to the hair,” explains Ginger King, a New Jersey–based cosmetic chemist. “It’s based on color-wheel theory, the same principle people use as it relates to color correction in makeup to minimize imperfections.” While these products can’t shift your color completely, they can help you maintain the current hue you have. (Oh, and surprise, brunettes can also benefit from purple products to reduce extra warm tones.) Kiyah Wright, hairstylist and founder of Muze Hair, agrees that those who bleach have the most to reap from using a violet-based alternative once a week. However, she advises clients to be careful when using certain purple-based products because they can stain. “If you have icy-blonde hair and leave a purple shampoo on for too long, your hair will have a blue-purple tinge to it,” she cautions. Here are our picks for the best options available right now, recommended by the pros.

COURTESY OF BRAND
2/20
dpHue Cool Blonde Shampoo
“As a professional colorist, I always want to provide my clients with tools that will help them maintain their color in between salon visits,” explains Los Angeles-based colorist Justin Anderson, who works with Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Margot Robbie. “For anyone who has blonde, gray, or white hair, this dpHue shampoo is a must. It’s formulated with deep violet pigments that neutralize yellow tones and brassiness while gently cleansing the hair.”
$32 (Shop Now)

COURTESY OF BRAND
3/20
L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Silver Shampoo
This shampoo is a great option whether you’re trying to preserve a light-blonde hue or you want to keep your silver looking sexy. The magnesium-packed formula comes in a deep shade of purple and contains anti-yellowing agents to get your blonde to max vibrancy. Think of it as going from third-place bronze to first-place gold — brighter, much brighter.
$35 (Shop Now)

COURTESY OF BRAND
4/20
Function of Beauty Purple Shampoo
Bespoke beauty brand Function of Beauty’s got a purple shampoo you can customize to what your hair really needs. Fill out a quick quiz online and they’ll whip up a formula just for you. The bottle’s even got your name on it.
$36 (Shop Now)

COURTESY OF BRAND
5/20
Orlando Pita Play Ampli-Tint Color Depositing Hair Mask
A hair mask is another great way to keep your blonde color on point. “I love my Ampli-Tint mask because it helps clients be more consistent with their hair color in between visits,” says hairstylist Orlando Pita, founder of Orlando Pita Play. “It’s especially great for cooler shades that tend to go brassy or warm with each shampoo. In addition to maintaining hair color, this mask helps enhance vibrancy and shine.”
$30 (Shop Now)

COURTESY OF BRAND
6/20
Not Your Mother’s Blonde Moment Treatment Shampoo
Make your next “blonde moment” the best one yet with this gentle cleanser that will increase shine, reduce brassiness, and reverse dryness, thanks to the added glycerin. And the $8 price tag makes it an investment in your color you can afford.
$8 (Shop Now)

COURTESY OF BRAND
7/20
Kevin Murphy Blonde Angel Wash
“I love using this on clients because it’s part of a whole blonde routine from Kevin Murphy that works on the health of fragile blonde hair as well as the color,” says hairstylist Aubrey Marie, who has worked on movie sets including Lady Bird. Another thing about the lavender-infused shampoo: it’s sulfate-, paraben-, and cruelty-free. “It’s a great regimen to send home with my actors because it’s nourishing and gently tones brassiness.”
$37 (Shop Now)

COURTESY OF BRAND
8/20
John Frieda Sheer Blonde Colour Renew Tone-Correcting Shampoo & Conditioner
This drugstore OG from John Frieda helps revitalize and rebalance lighter shades of blonde in roughly three washes. The products contain Optical Brightening Technology, which is a way to absorb UV light and emit a “white-blue glow” to make tones appear more vibrant.
$10 for shampoo (Shop Now) $10 for conditioner (Shop Now)

COURTESY OF BRAND
9/20
Amika Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Conditioner
“I love a good blonde moment, and this conditioner is a game-changer,” explains hairstylist Eddie Cerritos, who works with Amal Clooney and Jennifer Garner. “The hydrolyzed keratin in this conditioner dives deep into hair follicles that have been weakened due to chemical processing and heat damage. It also helps reinforce waning elasticity to prevent excess breakage while keeping your hair vibrant and cool.”
$24 (Shop Now)

COURTESY OF BRAND
14/20
Pravana The Perfect Blonde Shampoo
“This shampoo is sulfate-free and not drying like a lot of the old guard,” explains Jaxcee, color director of New York City’s Hair Rules Salon, who works with Jill Scott, Amanda Seales, and Anika Noni Rose. “The conditioner [from the same line] is moisturizing — and there’s even a mask — which is so fabulous for double-processed blondes. But the pigment is very strong, so I usually advise clients to use it no more than once a week!”
$44 (Shop Now)

COURTESY OF BRAND
15/20
Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Conditioner
“This tried-and-true staple has been around for decades and is part of many colorists’ personal kits,” says colorist Kadi Lee, who is based in Los Angeles and works with Julia Roberts, Amber Valletta, and Suki Waterhouse. “The formula isn’t too harsh and is pleasant-smelling. And for the cost-conscious, it gives you the most bang for your buck.”
$13 (Shop Now)

RAZOR CREATIVE LABS
16/20
Kristin Ess The One Purple Shampoo
Best known for her fierce haircuts (she gave Lucy Hale, Lauren Conrad, and Jenna Dewan their signature lobs), Kristin Ess is also pretty serious about affordable hair-care products. She recommends using this shampoo every time you wash for ashier tones, or every other wash for something more neutral. Either way, you can kiss unwanted brassiness goodbye.
$12 (Shop Now)

COURTESY OF BRAND
17/20
Fanola No Yellow Shampoo
Kiyah Wright, hairstylist and founder of Muze Hair in Los Angeles, who works with Jennifer Hudson, Tyra Banks, and Laverne Cox, is a fan of this Italian hair-care line. However, she advises clients to be careful when using certain purple-based products because, again, they can stain.
$14 (Shop Now)

COURTESY OF BRAND
18/20
Oligo Blacklight Blue Conditioner
Another favorite of Wright’s, this paraben-free formula was designed with highlighted, bleached, white, and blonde hair in mind. It’s also enriched with 11 amino acids along with argan oil to help moisturize, strengthen, and repair surface damage while delivering shine and color retention.
$30 (Shop Now)

COURTESY OF BRAND
19/20
Christophe Robin Shade Variation Mask Baby Blonde
Christophe Robin’s hands have touched the hair of some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Kylie Minogue and Tilda Swinton. His treatment mask nourishes dry hair and helps maintain a “pH of 4.5, which helps minimize porosity, fix natural oxidation, and evenly distribute color.” Even better? The longer you leave the mask on, the more intense your result will be.
$53 (Shop Now)

COURTESY OF BRAND
20/20
Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo & Conditioner For Beautiful Color
“This duo has the perfect violet tone, removing brassiness and brightening blonde or silver hair,” explains Los Angeles hairstylist Miles Jeffries, who works with Mariah Carey, Angela Bassett, and Tinashe, to name a few. “When I need more intense brightness, I use them together. If I just want a touch of brightness, I’ll use one or the other, depending on the client.”

What it does: Exfoliation removes dead, dulling skin debris to prevent congestion and improve hydration from toners and moisturizers.

When: Perform in the mornings prior to toner, moisturizer, SPF and make-up application. Tip: Make-up will last longer on an exfoliated skin!

Don’t forget: After you exfoliate, follow with a hydrating body cream to seal in moisture, and always shield freshly exfoliated skin with an SPF (as recommended by the FDA).

Recommended: Daily Microfoliant®, Body Hydrating Cream.

2. Keep skin hydrated

How: Up your regimen’s level of hydration with intensive masques, perfect for use one to two times a week. Boosters are a great fit, working best when layered underneath a moisturizer. Toners are a refreshing moisturizer prep, working to even out skin porosity. Tip: Refresh with a revitalizing toner spritz at your desk, in the car, at the gym, on the plane!

3. Make friends with H20

Why: Higher temperatures and more time outdoors leads to internal dehydration, which can result in headaches and dizzy spells!

What you can do: Eight 8-ounce glasses of plain, filtered water every day help maintain critical moisture balance of the body and skin, and assist in detoxification. Tip: If you drink caffeinated beverages, you must triple the amount of water you drink!

Recommended: Plain and pure water!

4. When in doubt, apply (and reapply!)

Why: It’s not enough to just apply sunscreen.: you must apply enough, and apply frequently. Studies indicate that most people do not apply nearly as much daylight protection as they should.

How much: A teaspoon for the face. For the body, about as much as would fill a shot glass.

How often: Re-apply every two hours. Tip: Stay out of the midday sun from mid-morning to late afternoon whenever you can.

5. Soothe over-exposed skin

What: You forgot the sunscreen, didn’t apply enough, or got caught in a sunny spell.

What’s next: Unfortunately, the damage is done, but you don’t have to suffer in pain! Super-soothing botanicals and cooling gels can help prevent peeling and reduce redness and inflammation.

How: Apply cooling balms generously over-exposed skin, preferably at the first sight of a pink glow.

Prevent: One blistering sunburn doubles your risk of melanoma — remember to get a yearly skin exam by a doctor and perform a self-examination once a month to detect early warning signs of carcinomas and malignant melanoma. Look for a new growth or any skin change.

Recommended: After Sun Repair

6. Repair and treat sun damage

What causes skin damage: UV light causes photoaging in the form of brown spots, coarse skin and wrinkles, whether you have burned your skin or not. When sunlight comes in contact with skin a cascade of damage results (including the stripping of barrier lipids) causing inflammation, production of reactive oxygen molecules that affect healthy cell growth, and stimulation of collagen destructing enzymes.

What to do: A tan may be a popular summer look, but it indicates damage. Bombard your skin with age-fighting ingredients to help undo any damage that may occur, and to further protect it from the aging effects of UV.

]]>https://groomingu.com/top-6-summer-skin-tips/feed/0Best Cologne For Men (Best Smelling) In 2019https://groomingu.com/best-cologne-for-men-best-smelling-in-2019/
https://groomingu.com/best-cologne-for-men-best-smelling-in-2019/#respondThu, 21 Feb 2019 13:34:50 +0000https://groomingu.com/?p=69Finding the best cologne for men means aligning a fragrance to match their indelible spirit can be quite the undertaking. Though it might seem at first like an impossible task to test each and every brand and model, especially when that may involve traveling to a number of different stores, it’s a task that really needs to be done. After all, many men before you have taken the time to select their best smelling cologne and have bettered their lives because of it.

Before we begin, it should be noted that there really is no single best cologne for men. Every man is different and every nose is different, too. The trick to finding the best men’s cologne for you is to figure out what it is that you want your scent to say about you. There are fragrances that exude sensuality with notes of leather accord and spicy cinnamon; others that give off a light and airy summer feel with sweet and light floral notes, and others may exude notes of strength and masculinity with woodsy notes and musk.

Another thing worth mentioning is that men and women don’t always want the same things. Some colognes may simply drive women wild, while others may be more suitable for the board room or a cocktail party. It’s all about playing to your particular strengths and choosing the correct scent for your environment.

Here are just a couple of suggestions to help you get started on your search for the best smelling cologne:

Best Cologne for Men- Top 7 that get the most female compliments

7. Fierce by Abercrombie & Fitch

Fierce by Abercrombie & Fitch is a sweet, woody fragrance, with top notes of petitgrain, cardamom, lemon, orange, and fir. It also has at its aromatic heart notes of rich jasmine, rosemary, rose, and lily of the valley. And at its very base, it has notes of warm vetiver, musk, oakmoss, and Brazilian rosewood to help tie down the citrus and floral sensations. A fresh and spicy scent designed as a call to the younger, wilder side of a man, this cologne is for men that aren’t afraid to live on the edge.

Top Notes: Petitgrain, Cardamom, Lemon, Orange, and Fir.

Middle Notes: Jasmine, Rosemary, Rose, and Lily-Of-The-Valley.

Base Notes: Vetiver, Musk, Oakmoss and Brazilian Rosewood.

6. Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male

Le Male is the first ever male fragrance by Jean Paul Gaultier. Heralded for its sweet mint, lavender, and vanilla notes, Le Male is a great compliment to any man that is truly unforgettable. Powerful artemisia, cardamom, mint, and bergamot make up the top notes, followed by middle notes of lavender, orange blossom, cinnamon, and cumin. Base notes of sandalwood, vanilla, Tonka Bean, and Amber help round out a charismatic fragrance for the modern man. Both gentle and masculine at once, Le Male’s traditional aroma makes it both easy and pleasing.

Top Notes: Mint, Lavender, and Bergamot.

Middle Notes: Cinnamon, Cumin, and Orange Blossom.

Base Notes: Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Sandalwood, and Cedarwood.

5. Dior Homme Intense

A modern masterpiece from Dior, a game changer in a designer world – that’s what people saying about Dior Homme Intense. It’s a huge compliment getter and it lets people know that you know what you’re doing when you’re buying a cologne. This scent is very well-constructed, is sophisticated, and smells very good. Perfect for evening wear and cold weather during formal and nonformal events such as going out on a date, attending a birthday party, going to a wedding party, or other such events.

Top Notes: Lavender.

Middle Notes: Iris, Ambrette (Musk Mallow) and Pear.

Base Notes: Vetiver and Virginia Cedar.

FYI
Most colognes go through a progression: top notes last a few minutes, middle notes last 30 minutes to an hour, and base notes last longer than an hour. This is caused by the differences in volatility (the rate at which a compound evaporates) between the essential oils.

4. Paco Rabanne 1 Million Cologne

Developed by perfumers Christophe Raynaud, Olivier Pescheux, and Michel Girard, 1 Million by PacoRabanne is a tantalizing fragrance that drives women absolutely wild. Initial notes are reminiscent of mint, sweet grapefruit, and blood orange. The notes eventually fade as the middle notes of spicy cinnamon, rose and blonde leather peeks through. Dressed up in packaging that resembles a solid gold bar, 1 Million by PacoRabanne exudes a refined and yet assertive aroma. Underneath, at the heart of the fragrance, base notes of white wood, amber, and patchouli evoke a feeling of masculinity. 1 Million blends the elegant richness of a well-tailored suit with the primal passions of a man on the prowl—qualities that make it one of the most popular scents, even among women.

Top Notes: Grapefruit, Mint, Blood Mandarin.

Middle Notes: Rose, Cinnamon, Spicy Notes.

Base Notes: Leather, Woody Notes, Amber, Indian Patchouli.

1 Million is a cologne designed to draw attention. It is for men that won’t bend under the pressure of a hundred sets of eyes looking at them as they step into a crowd. Enticing blood orange and a mint attract and capture. This is a cologne for men without limitations, for men that refuse to go unnoticed in a room of people. It is for men with a young and wild spirit, unafraid and unfettered, ready at any moment to turn the dial up. Whether you want to reinvent or reinvigorate, 1 Million by PacoRabanne’s sensual and striking fragrance is top shelf. See more colognes from Paco Rabanne.

3. Creed Aventus

Aventus is definitely a unique scent. With beautiful smoky pineapple and woodsy notes, It’s a number one compliment getter. Inspired by the legacy and life of Emperor Napoleon, Aventus use some ingredients associated with his memory: Pineapple, his favorite food; Blackcurrant from Corsica, his hometown; and Ambergris from the ocean, representing his navy. The balance in the scent is just perfect because of how well it’s all put together. The longevity is excellent (lasting approximately 12h+ hours), and the overall feel of the perfume exudes quality and mastery. There is only one issue with Creed Aventus: this fragrance is not cheap, but as everything in life, you do get what you pay for!

Top Notes: Blackcurrant, Bergamot, Apple and Pineapple.

Middle Notes: Rose, Dry Birch, Moroccan Jasmin, and Patchouli.

Base Notes: Oak Moss, Musk, Ambergris, and Vanilla.

2. Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit De L’homme

Whether you’re a single man who needs to collect as many phone numbers as possible, or you are simply a man who likes to flirt, then this scent may just be the one for you. YSL La nuit is a very soft, smooth and sweet cologne. It is not cloyingly sweet, but sweet enough for some women to find it attractive on you. Cardamom is present in the top notes and Bergamot, Lavender are present in the middle notes. This makes for an amazing scent that is just masculine enough to make the wearer feel sexy. It has a moderate sillage and is a scent which lasts approximately 8-hours. YSL Lanuit is a safe fragrance for a romantic dinner, a night out, or a date and can be worn winter, spring, summer or fall. There are some fragrances you should at least buy once, and YSL La nuit is considered by many to be that “must have” on any cologne connoisseurs list.

Top Notes: Cardamom.

Middle Notes: Bergamot, Virginia Cedar, Lavender.

Base Notes: Vetiver & Caraway.

1. Creed Green Irish Tweed

There are some things that never age, things that maintain their charm and elegance over the years. Green Irish Tweed, commonly known as GIT, is one of them. Launched in 1985, this signature scent from the house of Creed is a favorite of many celebrities, e.g., Clint Eastwood, Pierce Brosnan and George Clooney. Wearing GIT makes you feel like you’re walking in the countryside. The fragrance has a good smell that implies wealth, confidence, and simplicity – in other words, it implies that the wearer is a gentleman. GIT is an extremely versatile scent and quite inoffensive, so you can wear it both casually and formally. Put on two or three sprays and you’ll immediately be re-energized and ‘ready-to-go’!

Top Notes: Iris and Lemon Verbena.

Middle Notes: Violet Leaves.

Base Notes: Ambergris & Mysore Sandalwood.

Read more: 12 Best Creed Colognes Review
10 best colognes for men right now
Sometimes the best place to start your search for the best cologne for men is to see what the rest of the men of the world are into. There are plenty of best smelling colognes out there; all you need to do is narrow it down to a handful to help make your selection easier.

Here are 10 of the best mens colognes right now:

1. Nautica Voyage By Nautica For Men

One of the best mens cologne on shelves right now is Nautica Voyage by Nautica. As will be covered in more depth later on, grabbing the most affordable cologne isn’t always the wisest idea. In this instance, however, it’s hard to go wrong with this relaxing aquatic men’s fragrance. The cologne leads with the cooling sensation of crisp green apple and leaf notes at the top, which then opens up to a heart of mimosa blended with gentle lotus and linen. It’s very reminiscent of flapping sails flying high over the deck of a sailboat navigating the salty summer sea. At its base, a woody mixture of cedar, musk, moss, and amber give Nautica Voyage some much-needed masculinity. It is a laid-back and casual fragrance that can be worn throughout the spring and summer, designed for men that like to let loose and have a little fun in the sun every now and then.

2. Acqua Di Gio By Giorgio Armani For Men

It’s no surprise that Acqua Di Gio is second on this list because it’s one of the most popular and best-selling fragrance of all time in the USA. This is a light and fresh fragrance, not sharp, not spicy but bright and very nice. The smell is going to be very familiar to most people, which is a good thing but not necessarily good for those who really want to “stand out” or “be unique” in the crowd.

3. Cool Water By Davidoff For Men

Many say that Cool Water is a cheaper version of Green Irish Tweed, but it’s not. GIT is almost like a grass version of the same scent while Coolwater is an ocean version. This clean, fresh and summertime scent is suitable for all ages but the preferably age range for this cologne is approximately 15 – 25 years of age.

4. Guess Seductive Men

Guess Seductive is an outstanding starter cologne for the high school and college crowd. If you are confident and not afraid to smell sexy, then you may want to try this. The scent smells very sweet, perfect for Fall & Winter, but the scent doesn’t last very long.

5. Nautica Blue

Another inexpensive, but not bad cologne from Nautica. Launched in 2005, Nautica Blue is an aromatic aquatic fragrance for men. It is also a bit synthetic, but still a nice aquatic for the price. Smells pretty good, not long lasting or well projecting, but for the price, you really can’t ask for anything more than what it delivers.

6. Mont Blanc Legend

If you’re looking for something versatile and safe, Mont Blanc Legend would be a good choice. This is a masculine fruity aromatic fragrance with interesting notes: lavender, pineapple, oakmoss, coumarin, and pomarose. The projection and longevity of this cologne are not too heavy or lingering but are enough to get the job done. It’s great for Spring & Summer. As a lot of people have said, it does smell a bit like Abercrombie Fierce, very similar, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing because it also happens to be half the price of Fierce.

7. Nautica Classic for Men by Nautica

If you want to smell light and fresh, then this cologne is perfect for your everyday use. Recommended for the warmer weather for sure because it’s too light and soft for the cold.

8. Paco Rabanne 1 Million

1 Million is a cologne designed to draw attention.It is for men that won’t bend under the pressure of a hundred sets of eyes looking at them as they step into a crowd. This cologne is very warm, sweet and fresh. It’s a great fragrance for every season. There seem to be very few men’s fragrances that project well and have good longevity, but 1 Million certainly does and that’s probably what makes this cologne so popular. See more Paco Rabanne colognes.

9. Adidas Team Force By Adidas For Men

This cologne is light fresh & has a clean, non-offensive smell. The smell starts with a combination of wood and flowers, then the woods starts to dominant & it eventually leaves a woody rich smell. It’s a good scent for younger or even middle-aged, sporty men. However, longevity can be a problem with this scent because it generally last 3-hours or less.

10. RawChemistry Labs Pheromones for Men Pheromone Cologne

Called “The Most Effective and Best Smelling Human Pheromone Cologne for Men on Amazon, Period”, Raw Chemistry’s pheromone cologne is a top choice for men that want to attract women. The product uses an exclusive, proprietary blend of natural oils and human grade pheromones including Androstadienone, Androstenone, Andrestenol, and Andresterone. Raw Chemistry’s long-lasting natural men’s cologne has been voted the best-smelling pheromone cologne on the market.